Don't Ignore That Dark Mark

Treating later stages of melanoma can be difficult

Ted sat on the examining table, his tie at half-mast, haggard after a day of trading stocks and bonds. I had taken a skin sample from his back the week before, a small piece from a much larger growth located in the upper center of his 5-foot 8-inch 270-pound frame. He had returned for removal of the sutures.
"You have a melanoma," I said softly, yet firmly.
He finally seemed to pay attention.
I had worried that Ted might not return at all. Nothing in his previous behavior ...

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